Outdoor Media Association announces new chair

Industry veteran Charles Parry-Okeden signs on as chairman of association in its 80th year

The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has welcomed Charles Parry-Okeden back to its ranks this time as chairman for the next two years.

The industry veteran will also serve as chairman of MOVE (Measurement of Outdoor Visibility and Exposure).

Parry-Okeden, was previously on the board of the OMA, and is the co-founder and global chief executive of Executive Channel Holdings which owns Executive Channel Europe, Executive Channel Deutschland and Australian Media Channel.

“The change and growth in the outdoor industry over the last few years has been unprecedented and the industry body now requires a new structure of leadership,” OMA chief executive officer Charmaine Moldrich said.

“Charles was previously a director of the OMA board, as CEO of Executive Channel Network Australia (ECN) before it was sold to oOh! media in 2016.

“We welcome him back, to help guide us through the next stage of our growth.”

Parry-Okeden says he is looking forward to focusing on further collaboration in the sector to embrace technology.

“I’m excited to again be working with the OMA and MOVE. In particular, I’m focused on how we can continue to collaboratively embrace technology, as a sector, to further thrive in the evolving media landscape,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the team to achieve some very ambitious goals and setting the bar high for the industry overall.”

Parry-Okeden has overseen successful capital raisings, the sale of ECN Australia and the continued expansion of ECH across Europe.

In 2008 Parry-Okeden established a successful B2B business model with the launch of Australian Media Channel with his contribution to this a factor behind his induction into the Media Federation Hall of Fame in 2017.

Parry-Okeden’s appointment will be confirmed at the OMA’s AGM on May 21, 2019.

This year also makes the 80th year for the association.

“This year we celebrate our 80th year as an association, and that is just one of the ways that 2019 will be pivotal for our industry. Our board and our membership have put into play a series of new programs that will place OOH top of mind, watch this space,” Moldrich said.